Thread by @ashishkjha

There is pretty clear alignment between public health folks and @AmerAcadPeds about opening schools this fall.

We all agree it would be HUGELY beneficial for kids.

It would be very beneficial for parents.

And it should be the very top priority for policymakers.

Short thread

But saying you want schools to open is not courageous

We all do

Doing things needed to allow schools to open safely is key

What needs to happen?

Two things

1. We have to suppress level of virus in communities (you all know....no bars, yes masks, yes more testing)

2/4

2. We need to prepare schools.

It'll require billions of $ now -- yes now. Upgrading ventilation, facilities, testing for staff, etc.

If we do all that, we have a shot of getting our kids back to school -- and keeping the schools open

3/4

Finally

Any politician not committing to suppressing virus, preparing schools doesnt actually care about schools

If we can find billions for airlines, can we find $ for schools?

We teach our kids...saying you want to ace a test isn't enough. You have to put in the work

4/5

I am horrified by the prospect of having no in person classes all fall...and may be winter into spring

Huge negative effect on kids, parents

Huge negative effective on equity

So let's commit to opening schools by doing the hard work. And let's hold our leaders accountable

Fin

One more thing.

Listen to Dr. @sallygoza president of the @AmerAcadPeds talking to @nprgreene about AAP's stands on opening schools.

npr.org/sections/coron…